Encroachment: A threat to resource sustainability in Chilika Lake, India

The economic health of a region depends upon the sustainable utilization of its natural resources. Any threats to these resource bases may constitute significant threats to the livelihoods of the local population. Chilika Lake is experiencing several threats to its sustainability, including encroachment and anthropogenic alterations to the region's hydrology. This study investigates the impacts of aquaculture-led encroachment (forcible occupation of private and government land), which has proven to be detrimental to the ecological health of environments in the area. Encroachment in the Chilika area has been driven primarily by increasing population growth and changing government management of the resource. The result of encroachment has been increased biotic pressure on the lagoon's environment. Sustainable use of Chilika's fisheries resources will require both controlling encroachment and the introduction of geographically-informed participatory management practices.